The Fox Typewriter

Jan 29

The Fox Machine Company first incorporated in 1886, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with William R. Fox at the head. Initially they produced machinery for woodworking. In 1896, Fox wanted to jump in on the typewriter craze, and hired Glenn J. Barrett to design the machine. (There was also a Barrett Typewriter)

The Fox No.1 was patented, and introduced in 1898. Shortly thereafter, the No.2, No.3, and No.4 were brought out. Each with new improvements on the original design.

Fox No.10 Typewriter - The Fox Typewriter Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan - Black typewriter with gold decals, there is an emblem on the paper table with a fox pictured in the center

The first models were all understrike typewriters, meaning they typed on the underside of the platen. The typist couldn’t see where they were typing without lifting the carriage up. They are often referred to as blind writers.

The first frontstrike typewriters were introduced just before the start of 20th century. In the early 1900’s, the Underwood was taking the world by storm. Fox didn’t want to be left behind, and in 1906 they brought their first visible typewriters to the market. The Fox No.23

The example seen here is a No.10. These were sold simultaneously with the frontstrike typewriters. It’s assumed by collectors, that the No.10 was mostly just spare parts from the early understrike machines. Decals, and small parts may differ from machine to machine. Earlier No.10’s featured more ornate decals. Whereas on this machine, they’re rather plain in comparison.

\In 1917, The Fox Typewriter Company introduced a new machine to their lineup. This time, a portable, three-bank typewriter, with a carriage that could be folded down behind the rear of the machine. This made the profile smaller, allowing the case to be slimmer, and more portable. The Fox portable machines bore great resemblance to the Corona Folding No.3. The Corona was already a great success in the typewriter market. Corona didn’t take kindly to Fox stepping on their territory, and sued the Fox typewriter Company. This lawsuit led Fox to close their doors in 1921. Fox Portable typewriters are quite rare today, due to their short production span.